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Located in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, Costa Maya is the prime location to experience the vibrancy of Mayan and Mexican culture. From the Mayan ruins and Mesoamerican Reef to the white sandy beaches, Costa Maya is a Mexican destination that you won’t want to miss!
About Costa Maya
Just where is Costa Maya? It is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, sandwiched in between the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. It is a tourist region on the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico, and is the shining jewel of the Yucatan.
The first evidence of inhabitants in this area was in 6500 B.C. when Native Americans started cultivating land. The Mayans likely appeared around 200 B.C. and were the dominant civilization until it collapsed between 800 and 1000 A.D. A remnant of Maya remained and was conquered by the Spanish. English pirates took over the region until the 19th century when the Mayan territories united with Mexico.
Costa Maya, Muhahual, and the surrounding area had been a largely undeveloped fishing village after that until the development of the cruise port. Since then tourism has exploded with 1.5 million yearly cruisers – via unique shore excursions – who come to see Mexico’s lesser-known Mayan ruins as well as the incredible marine life on the Mesoamerican Reef.
Historic Locations in Costa Maya
Mahahual
About two miles from the cruise port is the quaint seaside village of Mahahual with its many bars, restaurants, shops, and Costa Maya beach clubs. Its laid-back vibe and soft, sandy beaches make it an ideal choice if you are craving a lazy beach day.
Wander the village streets and check out the handicrafts at the vendor booths, or head to the beach for a little swimming and sand therapy. At the beach you can see the protected Banco Chinchorro reef out in the distance.
Chacchoben, Dzibanche, and Kohunlich Ruins
Chacchoben — at this abandoned ceremonial center you will instantly feel the connection between history and nature. At a little over 2 square miles, this more recently uncovered site has been in the shadows of its sister ruins such as Tulum, but don’t let that fool you: it has quickly become a favorite with the visitors who have walked its grounds.
This city, which flourished around 360 A.D., had been subsequently abandoned and then reoccupied until 800 to 1000 A.D. and contains the ruins of various structures including temples and personal dwellings. The Maya made pilgrimages to Chacchoben to make offerings, and continued even after the Mayan civilization fell.
Once on site you can make your way to the Grand Basemento to view the striking temples as your guide explains why this was the ceremonial “heart” of the city where the rituals were conducted. You will also see the Great Plaza which was the center’s trading hub and marketplace, surrounded by the residences of the more prominent families. Take a few minutes to enjoy the animals around the site including spider monkeys, gray foxes, and birds. You might even see a jaguar, if you’re lucky!
Chacchoben is the best choice for cruisers who are short on time, as they are closer to the port (bonus: they are also the most uncovered).
Dzibanche — this 15 square-mile Mayan city was the early capital of the Kan dynasty, a powerful group that later ruled Calakmul. It is also the city with the earliest known Kan glyphs dating to around 620 A.D. Dzibanche is one of the greatest examples of Mayan architecture and urban organization.
Travel two hours by coach, then enjoy a two mile hike into the wilderness to reach Dzibanche’s hidden ancient ceremonial center. Here you will learn about the daily life and politics of the Mayans as you survey the elaborate, Peten-style temples of the city’s elites and ruling families. This Peten-style architecture blossomed in the Late Classic Period with its large, platformed pyramids sporting massive roof combs. This Mayan ruin is perfect for those adventurous cruisers who relish visiting off-the-beaten-path finds.
Kohunlich — venture deep into the jungle to see this expansive pre-Columbian Mayan site. Settled in 200 B.C., Kohunlich was a stopover city along the Mayan trade routes. This site contains temple platforms, pyramids, palaces, plazas, courtyards, ball courts, and citadels spread out over 21 acres. The city planners used hydrologic engineering techniques to channel rainwater into a reservoir, an uncommon accomplishment for that period.
After a two hour ride and two mile trek you will reach the site where your guide will explain Mayan history, culture, and civilization, and take you around to notable buildings including the Raised Acropolis and the Temple of the Masks. Built in honor of the Sun god, this magnificent pyramid has a central staircase flanked by six large, intricate stucco masks. Explore the grounds while being serenaded by the low-pitched growling of nearby Howler monkeys, whose calls can be heard up to three miles away. A climb up the 27 (temple) Steps will reward you with Insta-worthy views over the jungle. Kohunlich is a great choice for the cruiser who wants to do a deep dive into Mayan culture and mythology.
The Costa Maya Cruise Port
Costa Maya’s Cruise Port or, Puerto Costa Maya, was constructed in the 1990s, turning this sleepy Mexican fishing village into a rapidly growing Caribbean tourist hot spot.
Upon your arrival at the colorful port you will be greeted by bustling with shops, bars, and restaurants. In the nearby aviary you can see exotic birds as well as a birds-eye view of the port. There is also a recreation complex with three salt-water swimming pools and a dolphin encounter for those who want to stay close to the ship.
For the more adventurous, there are coral reefs, sandy beaches, and Mayan ruins beyond the port just waiting to be explored.
Things to Do in Costa Maya
What to do in Costa Maya? We have a few ideas:
Sunbathing and relaxing on white sand beaches
Costa Maya’s beaches beckon you with swaying palm trees and pristine waters. Relax in one of the over-water sea hammocks while you listen to the music, or take advantage of the water toys on site (additional cost) to paddle a kayak or paddle board in the clear waters as you watch the colorful fish moving beneath you. Beach massages are also available to help you melt your cares away. With our beach excursion you can help yourself to the open bar and enjoy unlimited snacks, plus a delicious Mexican entree just steps from your lounge chair.
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Water Sports and Boat Tours
Costa Maya is just minutes away from the world’s second largest barrier reef, which means you are right next door to some of the best dive spots on the globe. The Mesoamerican Reef System is every diver and snorkeler’s dream thanks to its clear blue waters and abundant marine life. Some dive spots also include shipwrecks.
Take a short, relaxing boat ride out to your diving destination, enjoying the beautiful Mexican coastline along the way. Then it’s into the water for one reef experience you won’t forget!
Snorkeling Adventure
This small snorkeling tour in the reef lagoon between the shore and the reef ridge is well protected from the open ocean, so perfect for snorkeling newbies. Your guide will be with you the entire time and flotation devices will be available for your use so you can concentrate on what you came to see — Costa Maya’s magnificent underwater world! The more experienced snorkelers in your group will enjoy seeing the vast array of tropical fish in these coral gardens as well as the sea turtles nesting in the seagrass.
Diving Adventure
See stunning marine life including parrotfish, damselfish, sharks, lobsters, seahorses, eels, and more when you explore this ancient coral reef just off Costa Maya. There are a variety of healthy corals here, some with finger formations that you can swim through. The waters are fairly calm, with outstanding visibility.
Please note: although this dive is in relatively shallow waters, you will need to be certified to join in. Click here for more information.
Explore the Mexican Jungle
While it’s common to associate the jungle with lush canopies and Mayan ruins, that’s not all there is: the jungle is also home to beautiful lagoons and waterfalls as well!
The Region of the Lakes — this is an area surrounding Chacchoben that is so named due to the numerous lakes created during the rainy season when the low-lying areas are flooded with water. You might see one of these when you visit the Chacchoben ruins.
Bacalar Lagoon — this large inland body of water is nicknamed the Seven Color Lagoon by the locals, and you will understand why when you see the seven shades of blue present through its deeper parts, the shallow areas, and the cenotes on site. This lagoon is home to stromatolites, or large sedimentary formations created by various bacteria, that float in the water and are very rare. Take a kayak or canoe out on the lake for some unforgettable views while you paddle.
Lake Azul — this natural pool in Rio Celeste is known for its otherworldly hue of blue that is created naturally by a scattering of gray clay matter. It is also known for its vibrant tropical bird population.
Discover the secrets to mayan cuisine
The food in Costa Maya is fresh and healthy with a lot of savory meats, beans, avocados, tomatoes, and limes. Some of the more popular dishes are:
- Ceviche — this is fresh fish “cooked” in a citrus juice, then dressed up with spices, tomatoes, chopped onions, and other seasonings
- Cochinita Pibil — this is Costa Maya’s take on barbecue; the pork meat is roasted in an underground pit and seasoned with sour orange juice and Achiote spice
- Sikil pak — this dip made out of Mayan pumpkin seeds is a unique alternative to hummus or guacamole
There are many beach bars, food trucks, and restaurants serving up authentic Costa Mayan fare; Costa Maya’s Krazy Lobster in Mahahual is a popular beach grill serving snacks, seafood as well as access to things like beach chairs and water sports.
The best way to try a variety of traditional dishes like these — and learn more about the area’s food culture — is through a fun cuisine tour. Meet up with a Mayan village family and enjoy a hands-on lesson in tortilla making while learning the secrets of the local cuisine. You’ll experience the incredible flavors when you lunch on chicken (or turkey), tamales, black beans, rice, and vegetables.
Practical Information
Tips for visiting Costa Maya
The best time to visit Costa Maya is between December and April, when the weather is cooler and drier. If water sports are your thing, skip September to November as it overlaps with the rainy season and hurricane season — both of which can bring rough seas and lessen your visibility in the water.
Make sure to bring drinking water with you as you tour around; Costa Maya can get very hot, and you can dehydrate quickly in the jungle or in the water.
The local currency is pesos but U.S. dollars are widely accepted; of course, it’s always helpful to have a small amount of the local currency on hand.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, casual clothes
- Swimsuits or swim trunks (and a change of clothing as needed)
- A rash guard (shirt) for water sports
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Non-toxic insect repellent
- A dry bag for your valuables
- Comfortable walking shoes for hiking the ruins
- Water shoes for water sports; flip flops for the beach
From the beaches and the reefs to the Mayan ruins in the heart of the jungle, you are bound to have the adventure of a lifetime in Costa Maya with whatever you choose. Let us help you plan your perfect Costa Maya getaway.
